Hello all, well, I’m new to this Group and earlier this year, saw a lump on my Right Forearm, after having undergone an Ultrasound at my nearest Hospital, Durham University, which was inconclusive, I then had one at The Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, along with a Biopsy, which showed that I had Cancer - Myxofibrosarcoma.
I went in to the RVI Hospital on June 5th to have my first operation, the removal of the Cancer, and was informed just after a week, that they had managed to remove all the Cancer, so then, went back into the RVI on Monday 26th to undergo the Reconstruction Surgery.
I was discharged from the RVI on Tuesday July 4th, I had the Skin and Muscle taken from my left Thigh, while my Arm is healing nicely, I was told that I would be able to remove the dressing from my legt last Friday, however, I live in Supported Accommodation and Staff were putting my Socks and Shoes on for me as well as taking them off, but, having had the dressing taken off last Friday, I thought on Saturday morning that I’d put my socks and shoes on, with the intention of being able to have a Shower and then do it when there are no staff here, as they are off shift during the daytime, Monday to Friday, apart from half day on a Wednesday as one of two other Housemates has Wednesday Morning off.
Sadly, after having put my socks and shoes on, I felt something running down my leg, pulled my trousers down, to see a bit of blood running down it, so my staff contacted Ward 47, and I had to go to have it looked at.
Further to that, after I came out of Hospital, there is a Postbox just a few yards round the corner from where I live, I started waking to that and back, after one or two times, I did so five times, then went along to a Cafe as good as at the end of the road, three or four minutes away, then to The Black Bull in Lanchester on the Sunday, only to be informed on the Monday after Staff spoke to someone on Ward 47, that I’d been overdoing the walking, so to reduce it, as well as get some Bed Rest, I find what one of my staff says , confusing, because they ask what I have done during the day etc. And they say, well, maybe you can go to the Postbox and then if that’s okay, the end house, then the hole in the wall, then the Cafe, and it sounds as if they are saying that, if I’m okay walking to the Postbox and back one day, the next, I could walk a bit further to the end house, if that’s okay, the next, walk to the hole in the wall where a new house is being finished, and if that’s okay, the next day, go to the Cafe, but in another breath, I’m being told that I have undergone major surgery and that it could take months to fully heal.
Since last Saturday, I have been keeping my leg up on a Cushion, and just waking to the Postbox and back once, once a day, my room is upstairs and I do quite a bit of walking round the house, to get Breakfast, Lunch as well as cups of Tea and Coffee, my dressing is due to come off tomorrow, so my staff and I will obviously be able to see what it looks like and my staff will also ring the RVI to get advice on whether to change the dressing or try leaving it off again, but I am a bit worried, especially as it has bled once, also, while I have had major surgery, how much walking should I be doing?, my leg has a bit of swelling, although, a needle has been put in twice, but no fluid came out, so, how much walking should I be doing?.
I know I’m not planning on going back to going out to places on buses anytime soon.
Hi Lee M and welcome to the Online Community but I am sorry to hear about your diagnoses.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' cancer type can help a lot.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you consider joining and posting in our dedicated Soft tissue sarcomas support group. This group is a safe place to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support
To join a group first click on the “Bold Link” I have created above then once the group page opens click on “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)
You can then put up your own post when you’re ready by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post. You can also scroll through other members posts and click “Reply” to get involved.
It’s a challenging time for you so you may want to use the Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via Webchat and Email too. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
